I told my parents I didn't believe in god in fifth grade, so I guess I was about ten. They told me that meant I was an atheist, which I learned was pretty rare around here. I told some close friends and other family members growing up, but I didn't start telling "everyone" until about 2006. Now I don't shut up about it.

No. My in-laws are staunch Catholics, but they are incredibly respectful of our non-belief. The religion I was raised in doesn't believe in baptism. I would have her baptised if her birthparents wanted it, though. It does nothing to us, but it would make them feel better. Fortunately, we've never talked religion with them, so it hasn't come up.

I came out about my atheism just last year; I’m 48 right now, so it was pretty late in life. I will however admit that I’ve been an atheist at least in thought since I was in my teens.

I, like you Andréa, also didn’t come from a religious family however my family reacted with extreme anger and hatred. My brother pretty much told me that I should be killed for my beliefs because it says so in the bible and my mother essentially took his side in the dispute. My sister (a Christian Conservative and member of the Tea Party) also pretty much wrote me off. As for me I was mostly surprised by their reactions though, I mean religion honestly played absolutely no role in any of our upbringings and we were encouraged to question conventional wisdom, seeing as how my parents were both hippies when I was a child.

Anyway, my family now pretty much wants to have nothing to do with me because of it.

Sorry to hear that. Christians don't tolerate other viewpoints. I've found that out the hard way. I didn't even tell my sister -- she suspected (we used to be close) anyway -- she reacted like your brother did (just about) and I haven't spoken or heard from her in 6 years.